Use of Online Communication Portals in Construction Projects: Issues Associated to Alignment of Technology and Processes

Abstract: The online portals have been in use as an information and communication tool for some time in construction projects. Although they have brought significant benefits, the way they are implemented in projects is crucial to deliver the desired outcomes. Technology and processes are two critical agents that determine the effective use of online portals, as in any other Information and Communication Technology initiative. Moreover the challenges facing alignment of technology and processes in online portal implementation is greater in ‘intra organisation’ context than in ‘inter organisation’. The supply chain perspective is employed to contextualise the intra organisation focus in the context of this research. Therefore, this paper aims identify technology and process alignment issues when online portals are used to share information and to communicate across construction project supply chains. A case study strategy using interview method is employed to collect data. Coding and thematic analysis is used to identify the relevant issues. This paper will conclude by identifying technological and process issues impacting on the flow of information and communication in construction project.